Dolly Dozen

 

It's been awhile..... I'm sorry to be so silent for so long..... Last year was tough. Life definitely got in the way of doll play....

In addition to caring for a family member with dementia, there were other family members with major health issues. And of course, it was my shoulder everyone turned to..... A rental property owned by my dad that had been vacant for a number of years...it was me who had to finally get it ready to put it up for sale. As if all of this wasn't enough...that most contentious and unescapable presidential election season in the US zapped what little creative juices I had left, leaving me completely uninspired and dry...

I was able to eke out a couple Dolly Red Carpet fashion reports last year. But the various fashion weeks have been a bust. Most of the masters of fashion have left this earth or retired, leaving in their wake,  designers trying to show what terrific "artists" they are without creating any real stylish clothes. One has the feeling that the world is in turmoil from a radically changing ideology to ridiculous costumes passed off as fashion. In any case, it's been challenging, and my girls have been grumbling all year long!!!

On the other hand, they were ecstatic that only three new faces arrived on our doorstep:

The newest girl to arrive, say hello to Gwen (named after Gwen Stefani). She's Integrity Toys' Baby Blue Imogen Lennox

Gina (named after Gina Lollobrigida). She's Integrity Toys' Holiday Spot Dania.

Colleen (named after 1960's super model, Colleen Corby). She's Après Ski Poppy Parker.

I was not tempted by any more than these three beauties. First of all, I've been collecting now for over 12 years so I'm looking for something different from the girls I have already and...as everything else in fashion....aesthetics have changed and I'm not always attracted by the new faces proposed by IT. 

I probably should not count the past year towards this year's anniversary. I was tempted not to acknowledge year #12. Last year, there were only four posts. I haven't been on Instagram either, though from time to time, I do put a little something up on our Facebook page (new doll arrivals, Dolly Advent Calendar).

I cannot predict what 2025 will bring. Here in the US, things have gotten off to a bad start (terrorist attack in New Orleans, fires in Los Angeles, plane crashs and toxic politics). HOWEVER...I was finally able to muster up some creative juices and put together not only this post but the one which follows immediately after!

If you're reading this, it means you still care about us and I appreciate that. Please know that I am eternally grateful for your friendship. We're still around....it's just that it's taking me a little longer to get things together and come back to play...

With love from me and the girls..

April

What a Difference a Decade Makes

OMG! Can you believe it's been 10 years already! Back then after not finding the style of doll fashions I was looking for….  I launched this blog. 

“Welcome to Fashion Doll Stylist! Your fashion doll collection is about to get a little more interesting! If you've found your way to this blog, you don't need me to tell you about the expense involved with doll collecting. Between the initial cost of purchasing the doll and the associated costs of dressing her, you can easily run yourself ragged trying to keep those 12" plastic divas in the height of fashion. This blog is for the frugal collector who wants to create sophisticated fashions for their dolls. We will look at how to get your creative juices flowing; how to choose fabric and create basic silhouettes; and where to look for inspiration. There are countless blogs and websites all to dedicated to making clothes for Barbie. Trouble is, most of the clothing rarely goes beyond the juvenile styles one makes to satisfy the tastes the children in our lives: prom or princess frocks, sparkly party dresses, beachwear. I wanted something different. Something reflecting adult tastes like....suits, sheath dresses, fur coats, uncomplicated trends reflecting modern tastes.” (FDS, February 2, 2013)

Bloggers and collectors have come and gone but we are still here. Admittedly, it's not easy maintaining a blog like this for 10 years. Someone once asked me if I really thought I could find enough to blog about long term. I said "of course!" Fashion is a living breathing entity. Of course I could not have imagine all of the aesthetic and lifestyle changes that lay ahead. We have tried our best—even though we hobbled along to the finish line this past year. So we can say… we made it! And that’s thanks to you and your loyal support. But let’s not get sentimental, just yet. Instead, let’s take a look back at how our dolliverse has changed over the past 120 months. 

In 2013,  finding dolls was as easy as strolling through retail stores or perusing information on blogs like Collecting Dolls by Terri Gold, Inside the Fashion Doll Studio or The Fashion Doll Chronicles. Even better, there was “Doll Observers” a free online club where many of us met up to post photos of our favorite dolls, participate in challenges and communicate with other collectors. (That’s where I learned that not all 12” dolls were Barbies!)  In fact, 10 years ago the internet was host to lots of bloggers: some who talked about new dolls; others posting dolly  “soap operas” or adventures; and a few (very few) who offered tips on making naive doll clothes. Some used their blogs to showcase their own dolly photography or handcrafted clothes. There were even blogs that promoted our blogs (Fashion Dolls Top 100). And some of us even found ways to promote each other (remember the Liebster award).

For me, what I found missing at the beginning of the 2010s, was real information on how to create current fashion trends on a 1/6 scale complete with DIY tutorials on patternmaking and where to find ideas for clothes. The few designers who sold their wares did not share their secrets! 

Mission Accomplished

Hanky Couture

Over the past ten years, anything and everything I could imagine I would want to wear myself, I transformed into miniature versions and delivered it via tutorials and “trend reports.” At first I assumed few folks in this community had sewing experience, so I began with simple ideas: wrapping fancy or colorful pocket squares around the shoulders of a doll, making a fringed poncho out of a square of chamois. Over the next several we covered all the basics of patternmaking beginning with slopers customized to fit your own doll whoever she is. Then we showed how to manipulate those slopers into a few basic patterns. As if that weren’t enough, eventually we expanded into clothing for Ken and friends!

I was so focused on the clothing, I did not think about accessories until I started looking at “Billa’s Dolls & Fashions” blog where I noticed how well put together her dolls were right down to their toes. That prompted me to venture into DIY accessories: hats, handbags, designer luggage, stockings, lingerie, gloves and of course, shoes. Oh yes, I found myself spending so much money on shoes!

Especially those little gems from Integrity Toys dolls! With encouragement from BlackKitty (one of my first to leave comments on my blog) and a tip about epoxy clay from Galacticat (a fellow member over at The WClub), I figured out how to make my own 1/6 scale footwear, information which I promptly turned into a set of tutorials for you. 

Oh and let’s not forget the guys! It was my dad who asked why there were no male dolls. Wonderful, I brought Ken into the house and eventually he invited his FR Homme friends. All of them needed clothes but I was warned about how silly looking “home made” Ken doll clothes could look, So I found looks that did not require any type of tailoring for him and our menswear was born.

During this journey, we even took our dolls to the beauty salon, showing  how to care for them, apply lashes and even how to make hair pieces or apply flocking. (Unfortunately we could not do manicures because we couldn't figure out how to get the long fingernails to stick!)

You've Come a Long Way, Dolly

Many of the dolls we collected back then--especially if you collect Barbies, Monster High, My Scene or Bratz, are no longer in production. But if you’re lucky, they have, perhaps, appreciated in value! Mattel’s SIS dolls cost me as little as $7-13 a piece in my local (US) store. When you can find them, they now run $50-120 each! My Model Muse Barbies have also tripled or more in price! When I stop to think about how much money in dolls I have, I started putting some of those dolls away!

On the plus side, doll technology has greatly evolved over the past decade. Most now have articulated bodies and are found in a vast array of ethnicities, skin tones, looks and hairstyles. For those of us who collect Integrity Toys, all dolls now have removable hands, allowing them to wear form fitting sleeves, bracelets modeled in one piece and more realistic “gloved hands.” Some dolls have legs (with heeled feet) that come apart at the knees and can be swapped out for lower limbs with flat feet thus allowing them to wear flats, sneakers AND high heels whenever they want.

The last 10 years has also been about customizing our dolls. A few of us tried our hand at re-rooting and repainting. Many more have given our dolls new bodies! And yes, a few of my dolls are hybrid: Barbie heads atop Fashion Royalty bodies.

In terms of aesthetics, I've noticed how today scale has become extremely important. Dolls and everything in their world look incredibly real. Facial features are more refined and the details of the torso more natural. Gone are all of those figure eight bodies with pinched waists. "Belly button" torsos are now the standard.The male dolls really look like guys (and not bug-eyed nerds). Many of my dolls today have personalities, attitudes. Some even give the side eye. 

Look at the difference in beauty and expression. Top left is a replica of AA Barbie 1980 placed next to Fashion Royalty's "Modernist Eugenia" 2018, On the bottom... I was very happy with my SIS Chandra Barbie 2013. But IT's Annick Vandale (2019) takes Black doll aesthetics to a new level. 

Let's go back to the basic blond fashion doll. They have become so much more sophisticated over the last decade. This is IT's Petite Robe Classique Veronique (2020) giving attitude (from top to bottom) to Barbie Fashionista (1999), Barbie Basics (2010) and FR Veronique Silver Society(2001). 

Ken dolls have always been a challenge. Look at the difference between Ken as Barbie's inanimate sidekick, and the heart throb FR Hommes dolls. Notice how modern, even daring the hair styles are!

(Top) Ken circa 2010 and IT's latest Weekender Lucas Maverick doll. The dude dolls have grown up! (Middle) An Adonis doll on the left and Studio Sessions Darius Reid on the right seem to overpower Barbie Basics Ken. The bottom photo is another example of the modern guy doll versus classically coiffed Ken. 

What we lost 

Robert Tonner no longer produces his iconic 16" Tyler Wentworth and Antoinette dolls. 

And unless you are collecting Mod Dolls, Sybarites, Kingdom Dolls, JamieShow and the like, it seems that 16” divas are no longer a thing. Tonner’s DollChat on Twitter has ceased. Not enough interest as other social media platforms took over the spotlight. And those of you who collect classic Barbies, you lost your beloved Silkies when Mattel halted production of the Silkstones! 

We also lost some really great blogs. Some bloggers dropped out of the hobby and onto other interests. While others fell to health issues. There are many that I miss, but one in particular: "Fashion Dolls at Van Doll Treasures." I miss seeing not only the adventures of Vanessa's dolls, but also the fashions she created for her Dasha doll. 

FDS by the Numbers

Over the past ten years I have made 559 blog posts, visited 1.39 million times. The most popular ones are, of course, anything with patterns, slopers and sewing tips. On Pinterest, our shoe tutorials continue to generate a lot of serious buzz, followed by accessories.

Though I post almost exclusively dolls from my IT collection, my doll family now numbers 176 which includes 67 IT dolls, 57 Barbies, 24 dude dolls; 7 Tonner; and 3 My Scene.

The female dolls share more than 620 garments which are hung on little foam hangers in 17 closet boxes. They have 287 pairs of shoes and boots (132 pairs made in house); 55 Bags, 53 hats, and an assortment of over 150 accessories ranging from scarves, extra hands, gloves and hairpieces to jewelry, small props (like cellphones) and sunglasses. And yes…. My bedroom resembles a toy store!

State of the FDS  Blog Report 2022

2022's Tutorials

Ten years ago when we were new and there was so much to cover, we put up 102 posts in 2013. But as content on our blog began to build, and fashion trends tumbled into astraction, not to mention the blinding impact of pandemic lockdowns, it became more challenging to be inspired, harder to arrive with new ideas. Last year was lean…. only 13 posts and out of those, only two were tutorials: Pucker Up Again (revising permanent pleated fabric) and Hot Glue, Cool Corsets. Moreover, my blog was one of several victims of web-scraping and plagiarism by another toy based website . This for me was disheartening, discouraging, adding to my mental block.  Somehow I managed to keep up with the fashion reports, but could not avoid being impacted by personal challenges, which also crimped my creativity. 

But the dolls were still there…cheering me on! I’m not sure which dolls put the word out there but, we apparently have a reputation for one of the best dolly wardrobes on the planet. So there’s no stopping the constant stream of dolls knocking on the door to join us! In 2022, we let seven of them into our home. For the first time ever, members of the Poppy family arrived: Simone (Resort Ready Poppy) and her sister Sandy (Belle Mariee Poppy)  Even though I no longer collect Barbies anymore, I could not resist Yoon (Vera Wang Barbie). Much to the delight of my ladies, two handsome new boyfriends arrived in the house: Ahmed (Weekender Lukas Maverick) and Terrance (Studio Sessions Darius Reid). And finally, two very sultry ladies rounded out the year: Vivienne (Glamour Coated Elyse Jolie) and Lindsey (Petite Robe Classique Veronique.)

From left to right: Simone, Sandy, Vivienne, Lindsey, Yoon, Terrance, Ahmed.

So, what will the future bring? Honestly, it is anyone’s guess. I simply hope I can keep my head above water while the rest of the universe adjusts to this “new world order.” Fashion right now is as insane as ever which makes it difficult to find inspiration on catwalks or red carpets. I’m still hopeful that I can find small snippets that can spark new ideas. Personally, things are such that there is less stress in my life right now.. Hopefully I will be able to sustain this momentum and create decent content over the next 12 months.

Ten years ago, this hobby was ablaze and blogs were immensely popular. Back then we were doing something very new. And though I perhaps can’t take credit for any of this, we’d like to think our presence had some impact on what we see today in our dolly universe. Everybody’s dolls are so much better looking, better dressed and wearing current fashion! There are lots of very professional doll fashion and accessory designers doing very interesting things! And for anyone not creating their own dolly wardrobes for their dolls, Etsy and Ebay is abound with amazing products ranging from 1/6 garments and jewelry to footwear and designer handbags. There's even a professional furrier, Dimitha Doll Furs with a store on Ebay (ebay.com/str/dimitha) selling doll sized mink coats (made from recycled garments!

On the other hand, there are many who have left the blogosphere for Instagram. It’s a platform that is quick, easy and doesn’t require as much work as a blog. And, it reaches a broader audience. But the “tutorials” are to my eyes, more “quick tips” or “show & tell” and don’t afford lots of hand holding though the creative process. Though I do post photos to our Instagram and FaceBook pages for those who simply want to look at pictures,  I have remained faithful to the blog format because it allows me to provide in-depth detailed tutorials and commentary on the things that matter the most---all things fashion for the fashion doll.

Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty, your curiosity and your moral support. Thank you for continuing to follow us here at Fashion Doll Stylist.

April & the gang

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Dressed to the Nines

In numerology, the number nine represents completion. It represents a culmination of wisdom and experience, the energy exuded in both endings with the promise of new beginnings.

Priya

At first, much of what we were doing was pretty new to this community. Sure there were dolly fashion designers, but they were few and far between. But it seems as though once we got started with the notion that ordinary folks like you and me could make clothes that actually resembled current trends, things began to take off. As witnessed by the millions of dolly images that have exploded on social media, everybody is fashion conscious now and I am amazed by the large number of designers who are showing (and selling) their 1/6 scale high fashion wares. And almost all of it closely replicates current action on global catwalks. Whether the presence of our blog had anything to do with inspiring this movement is debatable, but we would like to think, if nothing else, we were at least one of the catalysts and perhaps even the source of a few creative ideas.

Fatima

As with the beginning of this pandemic, last year was rough. As I’ve said on many occasions, designers don’t close themselves off in ivory towers. You need to be out in the world seeing things, living life. This has been quite difficult during lockdowns, health protocols and the sort. In addition to a number of personal challenges that got in the way of doll play for me, last year, my creative juices were bordering on empty. It wasn't as easy as looking at photos of catwalk shows because the aesthetics in this industry have radically changed. Many of the iconic designers have either retired or passed away, leaving behind a new generation more likely to design costumes than clothes for the rest of us. Many of the red carpet events continue to be cancelled or scaled back so there was little to see in Hollywood. And just as Covid seemed to be waning and things begin to open up....along came the Omnicron variant! 

Angela

As a result, 2021 saw only 21 posts, the least amount since we launched nine years ago.That said….those were some pretty awesome posts!!! We started off the year by making rag jackets out of fabric and yarn scraps. Then we spoiled the ladies with the latest in pearl jewelry. For those of you requesting an alternative to stilettos, there were new additions to our Shoe Biz tutorials which included tutorials on flat shoes and flip-flops. We paid homage to the late, great iconic American designer, Halston with some easy to make vintage 70's dresses. And we featured his muse and jewelry designer friend, Elsa Peretti by creating tiny replicas of her sculptural Tiffany's jewelry.  We were finally able to take in two outstanding exhibits, one honoring the late Patrick Kelly and the second exploring the world of Thierry Mugler. We roamed the streets of Paris at Christmastime which allowed us to share the beautiful display of lights and animated store windows. And then to top it all off..we showed our dude dolls some love by with our most detailed Master class tutorials: the man’s classic trousers and and the basic dress shirt!

Tatyana

Seven new dolls came into the house last year: Tatyana (named after German model, Tatjana Patitz otherwise known as “Dasha Purity” (2013).  Rob (named after model, Rob Evans) is an Adonis doll from the Mizidoll collection. Priya, IT’s Wild Feeling Rayna Ahmadi (2020); Dovima (named after the 1950’s supermodel of the same name) otherwise known as Eugenia Wicked Narcissism (2020); Fatima (named after model Fatima Said) otherwise known as IT’s “Bijou Elyse;” Angela, otherwise known as IT’s “Fit to Print Nanja (2021); and Taraji (named after actress Taraji P. Henson), otherwise known as “Soul Deep Adele” (2010). 

But here again, I feel I must speak out... As a collector, these past few years have been challenging. Prices on all things dolls have shot up to astronomical proportions. Thank goodness I began collecting 10 years ago when prices were reasonable and it was a sheer pleasure to go indulge in the hunt for the next doll or pair of shoes. If I were just getting into this today...well, let's just say, I wouldn't have the collection I have right now. I might not even be in this hobby. Inflation and supply chain issues aside, we have speculators in our midst whose only interest is to profit dearly from our addition. 

Rob

And so, the question on your mind is…what to expect in the year to come. There is no simple answer except to say…we will continue to roll with the punches. There is already an enormous amount of content on this blog. I will go through the 445 posts to see what can be updated. Our approach to fashion reports might be altered to some degree due to all of the changes the industry has encountered. Fashion houses post their collections at random these days, so it is not always easy to put them in categories by location. For Haute Couture and menswear, there has not been a lot to love these past few seasons. So instead of presenting themes, we are considering doing a “best of.”  

Taraji

I am grateful to all of you who follow my blog. Whether or not you are someone who leaves a comment,.I know that you are there and that does my heart and soul a world of good. Just know that no matter how many or how few posts we put up….we are still here for you and your dolls. And besides...you know that I have a whole bunch of 12-1/2" fashion victims in my bedroom who face me every morning with lists of demands (shoes, dresses, jewelry, boyfriends....). And they are not going to let me stop!!!

Dovima

 So let’s get started and prepare to round out this decade with a wish for lots of pretty dollies and more ways to keep them in the height of fashion.  

Big dolly hugs from April and her guys and dolls.....

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Figure Eight

Today, we celebrate our eighth year in the blogosphere. And given the past year we all experienced, I must say, I am happy to be here and in good health! Shortly before I was due to return to Paris, Covid hit and all the borders slammed shut, shuttering me thousands of miles away in the US with my dad. With everything closed down, suddenly the live catwalk shows were halted, the red carpet glamour events were called off. There were no chic Parisians strolling down the streets, no exhibitions, galleries or social gatherings. Fabric stores and craft shops were shuttered as they were not considered essential businesses. Moreover, me and my ladies found ourselves in a city where there are no gawk-worthy store windows to provide the necessary inspiration to keep the fashion internal organs beating. By the time local stores and businesses began to reopen, fashion as we knew it, had all but been replaced with home bound comfort clothes, pajamas, sweatshirts, jog pants and house slippers. Of course, there is always the vast fashion archives on Pinterest... but suddenly everything I have loved about fashion seemed so…..irrelevant.

Though my dolls have helped me weather the challenge of ultimate isolation, the doll world had its own issues.  Integrity Toys, my favorite doll company, experienced delays in getting new divas to market. On EBay, my other go-to place, prices (whether set by sellers or overbid by buyers) have become outrageously expensive for everything from heads and used bodies to 10 year old dolls! So I have taken a pause with my collection with the exception of a few new models who rushed in to join our clan before our doors shut.

From left to right: Chrissie (Integrity Toys' In My Skin Colette Duranger), Charlize (Tuxedo Eugenia Perrin), Petra (Fine Print Elyse Jolie) and Bella (Late Night Dream Victoire Roux).

Alva (Lady Aurelia Grey), Nicki (Afterglow Keeki Adaeze), Khadija (Sweet Venom Jourdan Vidale), Jean-Marc (Art of Manliness Darius Reid)

Last year, the lack of inspiration sources resulted in fewer posts. I struggled to produce 27 last year which included the fashion reports and a couple of links to high fashion videos. The tutorials we did were pretty extensive and well received. We revisited one of our favorite iconic fashion staples....the little black dress-- this time created using a single pattern piece. Since it was 2020, we had fun revisiting last century's roaring 20's with our own rendition of the Flapper dress. Before the ooo's and ahhhs subsided, we pivoted to bustle gowns including a tutorial on how to create Moschino's mini bustle dress!

We didn't forget our dude dolls either! My guys were in desperate need of footwear, so we made sneakers for them....

And so the girls wouldn't feel left out, we made sneakers for those with flat feet as well as those ladies still walking on their toes!

With so little fashion inspiration, we turned to dolly textiles and offered up a virtual garden of fabric flowers. 

Over the past eight years, there are very few things we have not covered which always brings us to the burning question.... Where do we go from here..especially given we still find ourselves in the midst of this pandemic. The good news is....there are still "fashion shows," though virtual presentations. So we can still continue with our Dolls Eye View fashion reports. The bad news is...there are no exhibitions or awards shows with celebrity populated red carpets from which to draw inspiration. Fashion people are known to pull rabbits out of hats, so somehow, we'll press on and find more goodies for our dolls. More than likely we'll do updates to our catalogue of tutorials. After all, it's about time for some new handbags, shoes and perhaps a little bling-bling beginning. 

It goes without saying we are grateful for readers like yourself who come from countries all over the world to see what we are up to. Since our inception in 2013, there have been 1.1 million page views! And for that we thank you for your visits and your continued support.

Love to all of you,
April and her girls (and guys)

Magnificent SEVEN!

02/20/2020. (The "palindromic date reads the same forwards and backwards in all countries...first time in 909 years!)

And so here we are….alive, well and still around in the year 2020 with seven years to our credit! Thank all of you for helping us get there. Your continued support, kind words and encouragement are appreciated much more than you can ever know. I embarked on this adventure seven years ago at a moment in my life when I needed to return home to look after an aging parent. This environment that I have created for myself, "Fashion Doll Stylist" together with all of my glamorous models, helps me to focus, remain relevant and stay connected to a field for which I have maintained a passion since the age of 16. The life of a caregiver is not always an easy one, but my world of dolls, 1/6 designer fashions and you, the dolly community, helps me through each day. Thank you for being there.

Looking back over the last year... the number of posts we published in 2019 remained about the same as compared to 2018. There continues to be a lot of turmoil on the fashion scene which makes my job—translating current styles into 1/6 chic wear for our dolls—a challenge. It is still, quite difficult to find real inspiration. So basically, we’ve been playing everything by ear, at times reaching back in time for ideas. We continued with our classic themes—catwalk trends, red carpet events and, of course, tutorials. However I must note...coming up with new ideas is not all that easy in that my dolls have everything they’ve ever dreamed of from fur coats to fancy frocks, designer luggage to sexy lingerie.

Still, this past year, we made another dolly dream come true….. footwear for everybody! We arrived at making shoes and boots for every doll in the house no matter the size or shape!

Twenty-nineteen was a year we went back to basics. We took simple silhouettes and dolled them up by adding items like string, bows, and lots of shimmying fringe.

On the model front... fewer new faces were adopted into our family: Catherine (FR Emerging Rebel Kyori), Kym (FR Resurgence Nathalia), Noora (FR Rayna), Iman and her twin sister Beverly (FR Annick Vandale), Denise (FR Lady Aurelie Grey Champagne) and Matt (FR Suspense Lukas Maverick).

For Catherine (Emerging Rebel Kyori), I bought the head only. Some poor collector had tried to redo her makeup and removed one of her eyes instead. I was able to repaint that eye back on, then later found a replacement body. I rebodied Denise (FR Lady Aurelie Grey Champagne) onto a 12 1/2" Nuface body and loosened her hair. The Lady Aurelie collection is, in fact, dolls from the 1950's. This is not only reflected in their wardrobes, but also in their proportions. I fell in love with her beautiful green eyes. But when she arrived, her head seemed a tad too large for modern proportions to my eye. Everything I dressed her in looked so.... prom girl. The extra half inch as well as looser hair really made a difference!

To my surprise, I won a doll (FR Captivating Anja) who I renamed Priscilla. (She reminded me of Elvis Presley's widow.) I've also included my first (and only) doll of 2020, Khadija (FR Venom Jordan). Technically she was presented last summer and the right to buy lottery announced in late December, but the dol only arrived about 3 weeks ago.

There were a few more dolls  I had hoped to buy but unfortunately, I didn’t win certain “right to buy lotteries” and the prices on the aftermarket  for those same dolls were exorbitant! I realize now I fortunate I was to have begun my collection when I did. Rarely are their "cheap" dolls on Ebay. Even the older dolls.

At this point, my collection of 120+ dolls I already have a wide variety of looks and faces in all colors and ethnicities.

 I don’t have any more must-have “holy grails” at this point and I find, it is getting harder to find an interesting look I don’t already have (who works within the style of fashion I like). Besides, my divas have successfully built a coalition to block most of my bids on EBay! (Clever little devils!)



On Tuesdays nights, I host a #dollchat live discussion (around (9:30-10pm Eastern Time) on Twitter. There are only a few of us but anyone can join in on the discussion or make comments after the fact.  (Look for the hashtag #dollchat.)  Though we do go off on a tangent at times, the point of this chat is to discuss dolls. And one reoccurring theme involves changes we've noticed. From 2013 to now, the dolly scene has changed. To blog or not to blog…. That’s the question some of us have wondered for awhile now.  Many have left the scene including the very popular website, DollObservers.com. This was my first introduction to the world of fashion dolls beyond Barbie. Now a shadow of itself, this site which once drew a thousand enthusiasts together, finally closed down, resurrecting itself as a mere Facebook Community page!

Attention spans are brief as readers ditch blog and website platforms in favor of quick and easy eye candy on Instagram and FB Community pages.  And even there, I've noticed how the numbers seem to have diminished amongst adult collectors. Fewer likes, fewer new followers, fewer “sophisticated” dolly posts…. Is the whole doll thing waning? Was this just a fleeting trend? Have collectors moved onto new horizons or have they simply retreated into hibernation mode? Are we becoming so fragmented, so specialized, electing to see only what we collect without regard to what else may be out there in dollyland?

That said, it is worth noting a few bloggers have returned to the flock after a brief hiatus: (Linda’s  Yeye Dolls, and Jaye's Doll Space are back!). I'm also happy to see more recent posts from Jano's Hiyadolly and Olla's Blog o Barbie Fashionistas  Both bloggers were faced personal challenges but somehow found the strength to continue entertaining us with their talent and their dolls. As for this blog, I can assure you, me and the dolls are not going anywhere. While we participate in platforms (Instagram, FaceBook, Twitter and Pinterest), we still find value in maintaining a blog which allows us to take the time and space necessary to produce more detailed tutorials or provide a maximum of information and images on current fashion trends than is possible to do with a handful of photos on social media.

Photo: Courtesy of Mattel

Ten years ago, Mattel drew many of us into the world of fashion dolls with its Barbie Basics, an iconic collection of individually coiffed, diverse svelte Barbies in classic “little black dresses” and pumps. This provided a ground zero for many doll collections and ignited a newfound passion for fashion dolls. Now, almost 10 years later, Mattel has launched Barbie BMR1959, an eclectic collection of gender free dolls clad in colorful urbanwear.  New dolls, new expressions for a new generation of doll collectors! The question is….are these new kids on the block enough to attract new enthusiasts and keep the fire going?

In the year ahead, Fashion Doll Stylist will continue to do what it does best… bring you the latest information and inspiration from major sources of style: international catwalks, major red carpet events, and exhibitions…all altered and tailor made for our foot high divas. As things catch our eyes… or we stumble upon amazing wonders of the past, we’ll  find ways to capture their essence and present them to you as well. “Life is a cabaret, my friend. Come to the cabaret…” Let’s have some fun. After all…..the 20s are back!!!

Preview of coming attractions!!! 

Big dollie hugs,

April and the gang!

Six of One, Half Dozen of Another....

Six (plus one), these Barbies were the start of my doll collection.

Today Fashion Doll Stylist celebrates six years since the launch of our blog. As usual, I like to look back and reflect. Before I do that, I would first like to tip a hat to another anniversary. This year is the 10th anniversary of Mattel’s Barbie Basics Black Label—Little Black Dress edition. These dolls mark the beginning of many doll collections including my own! Personally, I never cared for the classic Barbie with her long blond locks, syrupy sweet smile and hourglass bodies. She was too "old" for me when I was a child and too silly looking after I grew up. But the Barbie Basic dolls were different. They were svelte (just like real fashion models), sexier and came in a variety of skin tones and hairstyles. And, of course, they were clad in those amazing little black jersey dresses!!! They were Barbies for adults and a must-have for people like me who've enjoyed a lifetime career in fashion!

Collection # 001 featured 12 dolls in total, of which I purchased seven for $20 (US) each. Target stores in the U.S. put out a special edition of three clad in red jersey dresses, two of which I bought.

Complimenting the first two Barbie Basics collections, Target store put out mini-series of Barbies in their signature color, red.

 I favored the ones with the more sophisticated hairstyles and interesting facial morphologies. Of course I did not realize the amount of dopamine packed inside each doll. Each purchase created a hunger and a new trip to the store to buy another one of her friends. And yes, it did help that it was easy to find stores nearby selling these divas! Seeing them in person meant no bad surprises and often, they were better looking in person! How could I resist!

My first SIS dolls, the first ones had elbow articulation and bend and snap back knees! 

One day I found myself in between Mattel collections with nothing to buy. My addiction led me to another set of dolls who are also celebrating their 10th anniversary this year: “So In Style” Barbie.

SIS--So in Style Barbies were completely articulated and came in cool hip hop gear. The first three collections inspired by Rocawear, Pastry and Kimora Lee-Simmon's "BabyPhat" fashions.

These were a younger set of ethnic dolls of varying skin tones designed by Stacie McBride-Irby for Mattel. They too, had different personalities, hairstyles and facial features with fuller lips and rounder noses. Though their urbanwear gear was not my taste, I soon discovered how beautifully they redressed in my own...black dresses!

The SIS Barbies can be dressed in young teenage fashion or high fashion!

The S.I.S. dolls were perfect fashionistas that only cost $7-12 each at the time they were sold (2009-2017).  Each time I went to the store, I could hear them calling out my name!!! I made excuses for bringing a whole set home like, "I need dolls to model my clothes" and "It's cheaper to buy a doll than a dolly dress form" or "They don't cost anything. Lattes costs more." (Makes perfect sense in doll logic!) In no time, a whole village of them moved in, including their articulated hip hop sisters dressed in BabyPhat!

Barbie Basics Collection #2: Jeanswear

Since that first dozen dolls, Mattel put out four more Barbie Basics series: 1.5: three dolls dressed in black party dresses, 2: jeans collection which included three Ken dolls; a Target red edition (3 dolls) complimenting the jeans collection, and finally the swimwear collection. Representatives from each of these groups, except for 1.5 are in my collection.

Barbie Basics Collection #3: Swimwear

As tempting as it is, I have left all but a few of my Barbies with their original bodies. True those Model Muse bodies are not articulated, but those dolls know how to strike that perfect pose! Why mess with a good thing! Today, many of the those 10 year old dolls have increased in value. A quick glimpse on eBay reveals a 50-100 percent rise in the price of most Barbie Basics Collection 001 dolls.

 

Some of them (numbers 5, 10, 8 pictured above) are selling for as much as $70-80! If you are fortunate enough to own the AA Ken doll from Collection 002 (jeans) shown below or his AMC Cheerleader brother, know that your $20 doll is now listed for $190!

But getting back to our blogaversary…today marks our 362nd post. Early on, a question was raised. “How long do you think you can keep a blog like this going?” I responded by pointing out that fashion was a living breathing entity and thus renewed every six months. I assumed I would have a treasure trove of inspiration.  And to a certain extent I was right. Over the past 72 months, we have produced  tutorials, fashion reports, trips to fashion exhibitions and red carpet events.

Margiela Couture

Moshino

I would be lying if I didn't admit it gets harder to produce a post with the passage of time. Over the past twelve months, I’ve slowed down a bit.  Not for of lack of interest but largely for three main reasons. First of all, there is an enormous amount of content on this blog already. I have covered nearly everything that relates to today’s style in the simplest of ways--which was the initial mission of the blog. I try to keep the tutorial simple and easy to follow. Sometimes simplifying a look or technique takes a lot of experimentation and thus a lot of time! At this point, I am competing with myself.

Moschino

Viktor & Rolf

Secondly, It is really difficult to be inspired by aesthetics I cannot understand. What I see on many runways today are costumes being passed off as fashion. While I believe the craftsmanship involved in Haute Couture is an art, clothes in themselves are products made to be worn. They are not art. Lifestyles have changed and so have the customer buying fashion goods. Today's fashionista has a different relationship with clothing as compared to her 20th century counterpart. Fashion was something used to enhance, embellish one's overall look. It was a way to show who you were or who you aspired to be. Now, catwalk shows have been transformed into a spectator sport to a generation content to sit back and relax in jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts and sneakers as they watch the show! There's nothing wrong with it. It's just not the focus for this blog.

Finally, I’d rather take the time to create posts that are interesting, aesthetically pleasing and perhaps even inspiring, rather than crank out stuff just for the sake of posting every week. I’m aiming for three posts per month. But if somehow I don't meet that goal, please understand. We are grateful for readers like yourself who come from countries all over the world to see what we are up to. You've logged on nearly three quarters of a million times since the start! So we will assume, you are happy with what we do. And for that we thank you for your visits and your continued support.

Love to all of you,
April and her girls (and guys)

P.S. Don't go away.....we've got another post ready to upload in about a day or two!!!